Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming industries, but nowhere is its potential more profound than in healthcare. As one of the most complex and vital sectors, healthcare stands to benefit from AI innovations that promise to revolutionise patient care, optimise operations, and unlock new possibilities in diagnostics and treatment.
Among those that are leading the charge in this transformation is Dr. Angela Shippy, Senior Physician Executive and Clinical Innovation Lead for Global Healthcare and Nonprofits at Amazon Web Services (AWS). With her background as a practicing hospitalist and a strong passion for technology, Dr. Shippy brings a unique perspective to how AI is shaping the future of healthcare. In our conversation, she explained how AWS is helping healthcare providers improve clinical workflows, streamline operations, and ultimately deliver better patient care.
Dr Shippy’s journey into healthcare technology began long before joining AWS. Reflecting on her early experiences, she said, “From the very beginning of my career, technology has been a part of it. During my residency, we used computerized physician order entry (CPOE) before it was widely adopted. Technology has always been integral to how I deliver care.”
Her journey into tech took a pivotal turn during the COVID-19 pandemic. As healthcare systems struggled to stay afloat, Dr. Shippy led efforts to create a digital dashboard that pulled together patient and testing data in real-time. The experience was a game-changer. “That experience helped me see the power of digital transformation. It was the first time we brought all our data together to make both operational and clinical decisions. That made me excited about the potential of technology to transform healthcare delivery.”
Revolutionising healthcare with AI
At AWS, Dr. Shippy is working hand-in-hand with healthcare organisations to implement AI-powered tools that are already making waves. One standout example is HealthScribe, an AI service that summarises patient notes in real time.
“HealthScribe enables applications to present clinicians with daily snapshots of patient data. This ensures nothing is missed during discharge planning, reducing surprises for families and improving operational efficiency for healthcare providers. It’s a win-win for clinicians and patients alike.”
Another breakthrough involves AI in radiology workflows. By partnering with heavy hitters like GE and Philips, AWS has helped radiologists focus on what really matters: spotting abnormalities in scans. AI takes care of tasks like pulling prior images or formatting reports, leaving radiologists to zero in on their expertise. “Instead of worrying about prior images or report formatting, radiologists can focus solely on their expertise. This allows the care team to treat patients faster and more effectively,” she explained.
The human touch
Whenever technology enters a field as deeply personal as healthcare, people naturally start to wonder: Will this make things less human? Dr. Shippy is clear that AI isn’t here to replace the human touch but to enhance it.
“Our customers tell us they want to use AI to help clinicians focus on what matters most—patients,” she said. A great example of this is Amazon Connect, a contact centre solution that personalises interactions using voice and demographic data. Or consider virtual visits, which make it easier for patients to get care on their terms—when and where they need it. These innovations aren’t just about convenience; they’re about making care more accessible and patient-centred.
Tackling the data privacy challenge
When it comes to security, healthcare deals with some of the most sensitive data imaginable. Security and privacy are non-negotiable. Dr. Shippy reassures that AWS has this covered. “Security is a top priority for AWS,” she affirmed. AWS embeds rigorous security measures into its solutions, ensuring that healthcare providers can use their tools with confidence. And it’s not just about technology; AWS’s policy team works closely with organisations to ensure they meet all regulatory requirements.
The result? Healthcare providers can build applications that are not only secure but also equitable. It’s a delicate balance, but one that’s essential for earning trust in this AI-powered era.
Scaling AI innovations
One of the most exciting things about AI in healthcare is its potential to scale impact in ways that were previously unimaginable. “Instead of seeing 25 patients a day, I now work to create solutions that impact thousands. My goal is to make healthcare easier for patients, ensuring they feel empowered and supported,” said Dr. Shippy. Examples of this include tools that send patients reminders about medications or appointments—small nudges that can lead to significantly better outcomes. It’s not just about making care easier; it’s about making it proactive.
As AI continues to evolve, so does its potential to transform healthcare. Dr. Shippy is optimistic about what lies ahead. She believes that with thoughtful implementation, AI can help create a healthcare system that’s more equitable, efficient, and patient-focused. “AI is helping healthcare providers do more with current resources, improving not just operations but also the overall experience for patients and clinicians,” she shared.
And while AWS is already making big waves, Dr. Shippy is confident there’s more to come. “We’re collaborating with healthcare providers to bring meaningful change. I’m excited to see how these innovations will further scale and impact lives globally.”
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